Antipyrotic formulation for the treatment of epidermal burns

ABSTRACT

A unique, synergistic formulation for the treatment of first-degree skin burns is provided for topical use and alleviates the full spectrum of symptoms and concerns associated with epidermal burns, including pain, blistering, redness, swelling, compromised skin integrity, risk of infection and scarring. The formulation contains natural homeopathic extracts combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for topical administration. The formulation may include three or more of the following homeopathic extracts:  Cantharis Vesicatoria, Echinacea Angustifolia, Calendula Officinalis  and  Hypericum Perforatum.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/137,026 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,959,955),filed Jun. 11, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/944,317 filed Jun. 15, 2007. Applicant expresslyclaims priority to the filing date of the parent U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/137,026 and the U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/944,317, the disclosures of both being specifically incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is related to formulations and methods for treatingburns. More particularly, the invention relates to formulations andmethods for treating, through topical application, first- andsecond-degree burns and sunburns from a broad range of causes includingthermal, electrical, chemical and radiation burns, and the entire rangeof symptoms thereof, including pain, redness, skin irritation,blistering, peeling and scarring.

2. Prior Art Discussion

Skin burns are typically classified in three levels of severity, namely,first-degree, second-degree and third-degree burns. Burns which affectonly the outermost layers of skin (epithelium), causing pain, swelling,redness and moderate scarring are classified as first-degree burns.First-degree burns are considered to be self-limiting, i.e., thesymptoms are expected to disappear in due course without the necessityfor therapeutic intervention or medical care. As such, most of theconventional treatment options are limited to lessening or masking painand/or preventing infection.

Second-degree burns are generally more severe and manifest as erythemawith superficial blistering of the skin. They affect the epithelium andsome of the underlying dermal layer of the skin extending, in the mostsevere cases, to the soft tissue. They cause pain, swelling, blistering,peeling and redness, and can often result in permanent scars. Seconddegree burns can involve more or less pain depending on nerveinvolvement. The symptoms of minor second-degree burns, other thanscarring, usually disappear in due course without therapeuticintervention. However, because the distinction between minor and severesecond-degree burns is subjective and dependent on the specific painthreshold and circumstances of each person, second-degree burns aregenerally deemed not to be self-limiting. Hence, people who suffersecond-degree burns either assume them to be first-degree burns and donot seek treatment, or seek outpatient medical treatment for them.Common treatment options for second-degree burns include antibacterialointments, cold compresses, bandages, blister pads, and home remediessuch as aloe vera gel. Some medical professionals may prescribeSilvadeen®, a silver-based antimicrobial ointment.

Third-degree burns affect the epidermis, endodermis, and extend into thedeeper tissues of the skin, causing severe pain, shock, nerve damageresulting in numbness and permanent disfigurement of affected areas.More particularly, with third degree burns most of the skin is lost withdamage to underlying ligaments, tendons and muscles. Burn victims willexhibit charring of the skin, and sometimes hard eschars will bepresent. These burns are often considered painless because nerve endingshave been destroyed in the burned area. If the affected area issignificantly large, such burns may be fatal. Third-degree burns requireemergency medical care and involve significant recovery.

Sunburn is not typically classified in the same way as thermal burns,although they share the same symptoms. Sunburns are caused byoverexposure of the skin to the sun, or to sun-equivalent sources suchas tanning beds, and are more specifically caused by exposure toultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunburns are characterized by pain,soreness, redness, irritation blistering and peeling. Prolonged andsevere exposure to the sun can result in shock, overheating, damage tointernal organs and even death. This level of severity is not consideredto be within the scope of the definition of “minor sunburns” for thepurposes of this application.

Burns can be caused by dry heat (fire), wet heat (steam, hot liquids),radiation, heated objects, electricity and chemicals. Thermal burns andsunburns are the most common type of burns. Thermal burns can occur whenhot metals, scalding liquids, steam or flames come in contact with skinthrough incidences such as fires, accidents, electrical malfunctions orunsafe or accidental handling of hot objects.

First-degree burns, second-degree burns and minor sunburns are togetherdefined as epidermal burns for the purposes of this application.

The immediacy of treatment following an epidermal burn is an importantfactor in the effectiveness of the treatment, especially with respect topreventing infection and scarring. Other common “home remedies” forepidermal burns include the running of cold water on the affected area,and/or the application of ice, butter, a cold compress or applying othercooling substances to the affected area.

Those who experience epidermal burns may also treat the burns withover-the-counter products, including anti-bacterial ointments oranalgesic ointments and creams. However, these conventional treatmentoptions have a number of limitations. Although water may cool theaffected area, the relief is temporary and can increase the risk ofinfection. Butter is believed to trap heat on the burn site and increasethe risk of infection. Cold compresses and gauze pads isolate theaffected area from fresh air, which can hinder healing. Analgesics andpetrolatum-based ointments either serve only to relieve pain in theformer case, or merely create an occlusive barrier on the skin withoutdirectly treating the burn. There also exist a limited number of burncare kits, which typically require several complicated steps foreffective use. As noted above, conventional options for the treatment ofepidermal burns are neither comprehensive nor broadly effective; fewsingle products available today purport to address the full range ofsymptoms of epidermal burns.

The prevalence of epidermal burns and the inadequacy of currenttreatment options has been substantiated by market research. A recentsurvey revealed that 70% of consumers surveyed suffer minor householdburns on a regular basis from activities such as cooking, grilling,working in the garage or styling hair. However, 3 out of every 4consumers surveyed stated they do not currently have an effectivesolution to care for their burns.

The present invention was specially formulated to address thedeficiencies of conventional burn treatments in a single therapeutictreatment. The present invention has been found to have remarkableresults in the treatment of epidermal burns, including a synergistictherapeutic effect compared to the therapeutic scope of its individualcomponents.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The active agents contained in the subject invention are naturalhomeopathic extracts. Homeopathy is a branch of alternative medicinebased on the utilization of specially prepared, extreme dilutions ofnatural substances to trigger a healing response in the body. The word“homeopathy” derives from the Greek words homoios meaning “similar” andpathos meaning “suffering”.

One aspect the invention involves an antipyrotic formulation that istherapeutically effective for treating epidermal burns. This formulationincludes a mixture of at least three of the following extracts:Cantharis Vesicatoria, Calendula Officinalis, Echinacea Angustifolia andHypericum Perforatum. At least three of these ingredients, at specificpotencies and amounts best suited for the specific degree and type ofburn to be treated, are compounded with a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier for topical application.

While reference may be made herein to specific carriers such as a creamemulsion, alcohol solvent, or petrolatum-based ointment, it will bereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill that any number ofalternative carrier formulations may be employed so long as they arepharmaceutically acceptable and suitable for topical administration.Still further, the formulation can alternatively be deployed in a sprayaerosol or pump dispensing liquid container. In yet another alternativeform, the formulation can be carried on a bandage, or in other formsknown to or readily ascertainable by those of ordinary skill.

The most preferred and generally applicable combination is comprised ofCantharis Vesicatoria, Calendula Officinalis and Echinacea Angustifolia.In this case, the total amount of the homeopathic extracts relative tothe aggregate composition would be less than approximately ten percent(10%). The composition may be combined with a petrolatum carrier as anointment or delivered in a cream emulsion.

In another aspect, the invention involves a method of treating burnswhich involves administering to the burned area of a patient's skin aformulation as previously described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Homeopathy was founded in the late 18th century in Germany by aphysician named Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Hahnemann discovered that byingesting extract of cinchona, which contains quinine that is used tocure malaria, he was able to develop the well-known symptoms of malaria.This was the basis of the first law, known as the Law of Similars, or“like cures like.” This law states that “a substance that produces acertain set of symptoms in a healthy person has the power to cure a sickperson manifesting those same symptoms.”

While most allopathic drugs act by blocking biochemical pathways,homeopathy is believed to use a more subtle energy system that triggersa healing response in the body, with no known side effects or deaths inits entire 200+ year history. Homeopathic medicines are manufactured andlabeled under specifications recognized by the United States Food andDrug Administration. After herbal medicine, homeopathy is the secondmost widely used health care system in the world. Over a half a billionpeople around the world use homeopathy as alternative or primary carefor illnesses. Homeopathy is highly respected in many parts of theworld, and is part of the national health care system in the UnitedKingdom. The World Health Organization has cited homeopathy as one ofthe systems of traditional medicine that should be integrated worldwideto provide adequate global health care.

Homeopathic remedies, and those of the invention, are prepared through aprocess of dilution and potentization. The second law of Homeopathy, orthe Law of Infinitesimals, states that diluting a remedy makes it morepowerful.

Hahnemann developed certain dilution and other techniques to preparehomeopathic remedies at specific concentrations and potencies,techniques which are still used today to manufacture homeopathicremedies. First, the homeopathic tincture, once extracted from itsnatural source, is combined with pure alcohol at a ratio of alcohol totincture of 99:1. The combination is then mixed by banging the containeron a hard surface, a process called “succession,” a step homeopathicpractitioners believe is essential to making an effective remedy.

The initial step of dilution results in a remedy with a dilution of onepart in 100, also noted by “c” (centesimal) or by the term “2×”. Thedilution is then repeated, always by adding one part of tincture to 99parts alcohol, and succussing at each step. Such a process carried outsix times would lead to a potency of 12× (also known as 6c), and soforth.

The homeopathic ingredients used in the various embodiments of theinvention are discussed in greater detail as follows.

Cantharis Vesicatoria is a homeopathic ingredient obtained from theinsect Lytta vesicatoria, more commonly known as Spanish fly or blisterbeetle. This beetle lives on honeysuckle and olive trees in western Asiaand southern Europe. It is bright green and about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) inlength.

The Spanish fly produces a toxic substance called cantharidin.Cantharidin is a strong poison that primarily affects the urinary tractand causes burning pain and vomiting. Cantharidin is caustic and causesskin blistering. Since homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars, thishomeopathic remedy is used for illnesses that have burning pain as asymptom.

Cantharis is also used to treat burns or skin conditions that resembleburns. It is used for sunburn, blisters, skin eruptions and insectbites. Symptoms associated with burns for which cantharis is indicatedinclude blister formation, searing pain and relief upon application of acold compress. This remedy has been used to relieve the pain associatedeven with second or third degree burns. Cantharis is indicated forblisters that are burning and itching and feel better upon applicationof a cold compress.

A second optional ingredient in the formulation of the invention isCalendula Officinalis. This homeopathic ingredient is also known asgarden marigold. It is a member of the asteraceae family. Other membersof this plant family include daisies, arnica, chamomile and yarrow.Calendula is native to Asia and southern and central Europe. It iscultivated throughout the world and valued for its culinary andmedicinal uses.

During the Civil War, calendula was used to stop the blood flow frombattle wounds. Calendula blossom preparations continue to be valued asan antiseptic for external application to scrapes, burns, cuts orwounds. Local application, in the form of a plant poultice or aninfusion soaked in a cloth and applied to a wound, is deemed to be atime-tested and effective healing remedy. The flowers haveantispasmodic, antimicrobial and antiviral properties. They improve thecirculation of the blood and the lymphatic fluids and aid in eliminationof toxins from the body. The juice from the fresh flowers or stem issaid to help remove warts and help heal mucous membranes and skin.

A third optional ingredient in the formulation of the invention isEchinacea Angustifolia. This homeopathic ingredient, also known as thepurple coneflower, is a perennial herb native to the North Americanprairie, abundant in the Midwest, and cultivated widely in ornamentaland medicinal gardens.

Echinacea is most often used to boost the immune system and fightinfection. Research has shown that Echinacea increases production ofinterferon in the body. It is antiseptic and antimicrobial, withproperties that act to increase the number of white blood cellsavailable to destroy bacteria and slow the spread of infection. As adepurative, the herbal extract cleanses and purifies the bloodstream,and has been used effectively to treat boils. Echinacea is vulnerary,promoting wound healing through the action of a chemical substance inthe root known as caffeic acid glycoside. As an alternative and animmunomodulator, Echinacea acts gradually to promote beneficial changein the entire system.

A fourth optional ingredient in the formulation of the invention isHypericum Perforatum, commonly known as St. John's Wort. It is commonlygrown in temperate and subtropical regions of North America, Europe,Asia Minor, Russia, India and China.

Hypericum is a perennial plant with extensive, creeping rhizomes. Itsstems are erect, branched in the upper section, and can grow to 1 mhigh. It has opposing, stalkless, narrow, oblong leaves which are 12 mmlong or slightly larger. The leaves are yellow-green in color, withtransparent dots throughout the tissue and occasionally with a few blackdots on the lower surface. Their flowers measures up to 2.5 cm across,has five petals, and are colored bright yellow with conspicuous blackdots. The flowers appear in broad cymes at the ends of the upperbranches. The sepals are pointed, with glandular dots in the tissue.There are many stamens, which are united at the base into three bundles.

In addition to its most common use as an antidepressant, Hypericum isused as a homeopathic remedy for burns characterized by stinging pain,and is also known to have antibacterial properties.

In accordance with the invention, it has been discovered that aformulation of at least three of the aforementioned ingredients for usein topical application provides highly efficacious and also synergisticeffects in the treatments of epidermal burns.

In embodiments of the invention, formulations containing combinations ofmultiple single remedies are specially selected and formulated to treata variety of symptom pictures and ailments. Such formulations provideconvenience of use by laypersons that are typically unsure of whichsingle remedy to choose for their particular constitution. Suchformulations of the invention also treat a wider set of symptoms, andtherefore have a broad-based efficacy for groups of ailments, e.g.,thermal burns, sunburns, razor burns. The combination of the varioussingle remedies in a multiple component formulation is believed to havean unexpected, synergistic effect such that the efficacy of thecombination formulation is greater than the efficacy of any of thesingle remedies when applied separately.

For example, epidermal burns can occur due to a variety of causes andare characterized by diverse symptoms. A patient could receive a steamor electrical burn characterized by sharp, shooting pain and swelling orsunburn characterized by redness, swelling, peeling and duller pain.Contact burns from curling irons or hot stoves can cause scalding andblistering, leading to an unsightly scar.

The benefit of the present invention is that its work together toaddress a much broader range of symptoms and types of burns. Embodimentsmay address the full spectrum of burns from different causes and fordifferent bodily constitutions. Aspects of the invention account fordifferent attendant symptom features including redness, swelling,scraping, scalding, blistering and infection.

It has been discovered that the subject formulation of the invention,when applied shortly after the burn, aids the skin in recovering fromthe damage caused by epidermal burns. As noted above, this physiologicalinteraction is unique to the subject formulation, and unexpectedly moreefficacious when compared with current leading treatment options orindividual components of the formulation applied alone.

The subject formulation also provides the following commercialadvantages:

-   -   1. It is a complete solution in the market for the primary        concerns of target audience.    -   2. It is a simple, easy-to-use product designed for quick        application.    -   3. It is a significantly low cost option to manage epidermal        burns, as compared to the multiple steps currently required to        achieve the equivalent benefit.

Furthermore, the subject formulation responds to a clearly expressedmarket need. As stated above, the prevalence of epidermal burns and theinadequacy of current treatment options have been substantiated bymarket research. A recent survey revealed that 70% of consumers surveyedsuffer minor household burns on a regular basis from activities such ascooking, grilling, working in the garage or styling hair. However, 3 outof every 4 consumers surveyed stated they do not currently have aneffective solution to care for their burns. The consumers have furtherstated that the key concerns from an epidermal burn are pain, the riskof infection, and the desire to prevent the appearance of a scar, all ofwhich are effectively addressed by the subject formulation.

Therefore, the subject formulation addresses a real need in the marketwith a highly efficacious and easy-to-use remedy which can be madeavailable at a lower price and with greater ease of application than acomparable combination of multiple conventional treatments.

It has been determined through various stages of experimentation andevaluation that the inclusion of three or more of the below-mentionedingredients in the following approximate ranges optimizes thesynergistic efficacy of a remedy for epidermal burns, depending on thecause and symptom picture of the burn:

Cantharis Vesicatoria 3×: About 2.5 to About 8%

Calendula Officinalis Q: About 1 to About 2.5%

Echinacea Angustifolia Q: About 1 to About 2.5%

Hypericum Perforatum Q/6×: About 2.5 to About 5%

The above ranges are shown as a percentage of the overall product. Thetotal amount of all homeopathic ingredients does not exceed 10% of theoverall product formulation. The remaining 90% is comprised of a carrierbase which is pharmaceutically compatible for topical application on anepidermal burn.

The use of the above ingredients in combination results in anunexpectedly high level of efficacy. The use of the formulationimmediately after the occurrence of an epidermal burn was found togreatly soothe the pain and to remove most, if not all, visible signs ofthe burn. Even if applied days after experiencing the burn, theformulation was found to be surprisingly efficacious in reducing theappearance of scars and aiding in the recovery of skin integrity, moreso than through use of any single ingredient by itself. The improvementsin the formula, specifically in the potency and amount of eachhomeopathic ingredient, were unexpected.

The following examples are further illustrative of specific aspects ofthe invention. The following examples are based on various stages ofexperimentation and evaluation, but the present invention is not limitedto them.

Example I

The following homeopathic extracts are obtained from commercial sourcesat the potencies indicated below, and compounded by the procedureoutlined below:

Cantharis Vesicatoria 3×: About 2.5 to About 8%

Calendula Officinalis Q: About 1 to About 2.5%

Echinacea Angustifolia Q: About 1 to About 2.5%

A clean, validated reaction vessel suitable for pharmaceutical use(Vessel A) is charged with 775.8 kg Purified Water USP. A mixer isstarted at 30% to 50% power. Specific ingredients of the carrier baseare added as the contents of Vessel A are heated to 50° C., ensuringthat the contents are continuously agitated and the temperature isstabilized at 50° C. A separate clean, validated mixing vessel suitablefor pharmaceutical use (Vessel B) is prepared, to which added otherpharmaceutically acceptable ingredients necessary to create a creamemulsion, which are heated until they are melted. The contents of thetwo vessels are then combined and gradually cooled under constantmixing, until the temperature is less than 40° C. The homeopathicingredients are then added to the mixture, which is continuously mixedand agitated while allowing the mixture to cool to room temperature.

The above embodiment of the invention is unexpectedly efficacious in thetreatment of first- and second-degree burns with symptoms includingpain, redness and blistering, with risk of scarring and infection. It isfurther found to be unexpectedly efficacious in treating the full rangeof symptoms above, when applied immediately or soon after experiencing aburn.

Example II

The following homeopathic extracts are obtained from readily availablecommercial sources at the potencies indicated below, and compounded bythe procedure outlined below:

Cantharis Vesicatoria 3×: About 2.5 to About 8%

Calendula Officinalis Q: About 1 to About 2.5%

Echinacea Angustifolia Q: About 1 to About 2.5%

Separately, a gelling agent such as Carbomer, obtained from any readilyavailable commercial source, is dispersed in distilled water and whencompletely hydrated, is neutralized with sodium hydroxide (20%solution). Once the mixture is uniform, the homeopathic extracts, alongwith aloe in pharmaceutically acceptable form, are slowly combined.

The above embodiment of the invention is effective in the treatment ofsunburns with symptoms including pain, redness, swelling, peeling andsoreness, with risk of infection. It is found to be unexpectedlyeffective in treating the full range of symptoms above, when appliedimmediately or soon after experiencing sunburn. The gel carrier isparticularly effective for application over a larger area of the body,as is typical of sunburns.

Example III

The preferred method of application of the present invention is asfollows. As soon as possible upon experiencing an epidermal burn, thesubject formulation should be applied to the burn site. It may be spreadwith a clean finger or with a clean cotton ball or Q-Tip®. The subjectformulation, which is white in color, should be rubbed lightly into theaffected area until it loses its white color and is visible as acolorless film over the affected area. Upon absorption of theformulation, it should be reapplied as stated above at least 2-3 timesor until symptoms disappear.

The following additional Examples illustrate experiments and evaluationswhich demonstrate the advantages and efficacy of the present inventionin the treatment of epidermal burns.

Example IV

The subject of this experiment suffered a first-degree burn on theinside sole of her left foot due to accidental contact with the hotceramic plate of a flat iron, used to style hair. The burn site wasapproximately two inches in length and half an inch in width,characterized by stinging pain, redness and swelling. The affected areawas also hot to the touch. The subject applied the embodiment of thesubject invention described in Example I, above, to the affected areawithin 1-2 minutes after suffering the burn. The subject perceived animmediate cooling of the affected area and a significant decrease inpain. The subject reapplied the cream within 5-10 minutes after theinitial application, and again within 5-10 minutes thereafter. After thesecond application, a marked decrease in redness or other discolorationwas perceived and the pain was minimal. The subject did not reapplyafter the third application due to a complete disappearance of allsymptoms and no visible scar.

Example V

By comparison, another subject suffered a first-degree burn ofcomparable severity to the burn described in Example V, above, when hotcooking oil splashed on the knuckle of her right index finger. The burnwas roughly circular and less than an inch in diameter, andcharacterized by stinging pain, redness and swelling. Due to habit andproximity to water, the subject washed the affected area within secondsafter suffering the burn, and did not apply the subject invention or anyother topical treatment to the burn. Although the subject perceived acooling sensation and slight reduction in pain while her finger wasunder cold water, the pain and heat immediately returned as soon as thecold water was removed. The pain, redness and swelling persisted for atleast 24 hours before slowly dissipating. The burn left a dark brownscar at the burn site which did not visibly fade in the approximatelyfour weeks since the burn.

Example VI

The subject of this experiment suffered a second-degree burn on herright hand due to accidental and sustained contact with a hot liquid.The burn covered the back of the subject's hand from the base of herthumb to the middle joint of her index finger. The burn wascharacterized by severe stinging pain, significant redness and swelling,and a large blister over most of the affected area. Due to theunavailability of any medicines immediately after suffering the burn,the subject carefully cleaned the burn site and left it open to air. Thesubject liberally applied the embodiment of the subject inventiondescribed in Example I, above, to the affected area 36 to 48 hours aftersuffering the burn. The subject did not reapply the treatment or anyother treatment thereafter. The subject perceived an immediate painrelief as well as cooling of the affected area upon application. Withinhours, the blister had disappeared and the redness and swelling weresignificantly decreased. Almost six months later, there is only a lightscar at the burn site.

Example VII

In this example, the subjects, both children under ten years of age,suffered sunburns over large areas of their backs, shoulders, necks andfaces, due to overexposure to the sun during a beach vacation. Thesunburns were characterized by redness, discomfort and skin irritation.After a few hours, the embodiment of the subject invention described inExample II, above, was liberally applied to the affected areas. Thesubjects experienced and communicated a sensation of immediate relieffrom discomfort and irritation from the application of the embodiment ofthe subject formulation. Within less than an hour after application, theredness was perceived to have fully disappeared.

Example VIII

This experiment is designed to compare the efficacy of the preferredembodiment to that of Cantharis Vesicatoria 3× alone, in an embodimentsuitable for topical application.

Two subjects are administered a heating element for a durationsufficient to result in a first-degree burn of identical size andseverity. Within ten minutes of the burn, one of the embodiments istopically administered to Subject A's affected area, and Cantharis isadministered to Subject B's affected area. The immediate reactions ofSubject A and Subject B are recorded.

It is found in the case of Subject A that there is an immediate coolingsensation of the affected area, and the pain is noticeably reduced.Subject B does not report a cooling sensation or a significant decreaseof pain.

The respective creams are reapplied twice more at ten-minute intervals.After one hour, the symptoms of the burns are examined. While it isfound in both cases that the pain, redness and swelling of the burn havedisappeared, only in the case of Subject A does the formulation alsoprevent the spread of infection and appearance of a scar.

Example IX

This experiment is designed to compare the efficacy of the variousembodiments to that of Echinacea Angustifolia Q alone, in an embodimentsuitable for topical application.

Two subjects are administered a heating element for a durationsufficient to result in a first-degree burn of identical size andseverity. Within ten minutes of the burn, one of the embodiments istopically administered to Subject A's affected area, and Echinacea isadministered to Subject B's affected area. The immediate reactions ofSubject A and Subject B are recorded.

It is found in the case of Subject A that there is an immediate coolingsensation of the affected area, and the pain is noticeably reduced.Subject B does not report a cooling sensation or a significant decreaseof pain.

The respective creams are reapplied twice more at ten-minute intervals.After one hour, the symptoms of the burns are examined. It is found inthe case of Subject A that all symptoms of the burn have disappeared.Subject B still has pain and other discernible signs of the burn, andthe risk of scarring still exists.

The present invention provides methods of manufacturing the presentinvention in a number of preferred embodiments, as described in theexamples above. Further, as demonstrated by the experiments above, thepresent invention is found to be an excellent treatment for epidermalburns which do not require professional medical treatment. The presentinvention is found to reduce the duration of symptoms associated withepidermal burns as compared with conventional treatments, as well as toreduce the overall duration of treatment, prevent the risk of infection,and prevent the appearance of scars. The present invention is also foundto have a synergistic efficacy greater than that of its individualcomponents, both in terms of duration of treatment and applicability toa wider range of symptoms and causes.

Having thus described the invention the same will become betterunderstood from the following claims in which it is set forth as anon-limiting manner.

1. An antipyrotic formulation that is therapeutically effective fortreating burns, comprising: a mixture of Cantharis vesicatoria in anamount of 2.5 to 8% of the formulation, Calendula officinalis in anamount of 1 to 2.5% of the formulation, and Echinacea angustifolia in anamount of 1 to 2.5% of the formulation as ingredients; and saidingredients being mixed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carriersuitable for topical application, effective for treating burns uponadministration thereof on an epidermal burn, and wherein the combinedtotal amount of said ingredients is less than 10% of the formulation. 2.The formulation of claim 1, further comprising an emulsifier as part ofsaid mixture.
 3. The formulation of claim 1, wherein said carrier basecomprises petrolatum, with said formulation prepared as an ointment. 4.The formulation of claim 1, wherein said formulation is prepared as acream emulsion.
 5. The formulation of claim 1, wherein said formulationis prepared as a gel.
 6. The formulation of claim 1, further comprisingaloe.
 7. A homeopathic formulation that is therapeutically effective fortreating burns, comprising: a mixture of Cantharis vesicatoria in anamount of 2.5 to 8% of the formulation, Calendula officinalis in anamount of 1 to 2.5% of the formulation and Echinacea angustifolia in anamount of 1 to 2.5% of the formulation as ingredients effective fortreating first-degree burns upon topical application thereof on afirst-degree burn, and wherein the combined total amount of saidingredients is less than 10% of the formulation.
 8. The formulation ofclaim 7, wherein said carrier base comprises petrolatum, with saidformulation prepared as an ointment.
 9. The formulation of claim 7,wherein said formulation is prepared as a cream emulsion.
 10. Theformulation of claim 7, wherein said formulation is prepared as a gel.11. The formulation of claim 7, further comprising aloe.
 12. A methodfor treating burns, comprising administering topically to a burn area ofa patient's skin a formulation comprising a mixture of Cantharisvesicatoria in an amount of 2.5 to 8% of the formulation, Calendulaofficinalis in an amount of 1 to 2.5% of the formulation, and Echinaceaangustifolia in an amount of 1 to 2.5% of the formulation as ingredientsin a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for topicalapplication; and said ingredients being mixed in amounts effective fortreating burns upon topical application thereof, and wherein thecombined total amount of said ingredients is less than 10% of theformulation.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said carrier is apharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical administration.
 14. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising a mixture of C18-22 hydroxyalkylhydroxypropyl guar, hydrogenated polydecene, isopropyl myristate,lanolin, methylparaben, propylparaben, shea butter, sodiumpolyacryloyldimethyl taurate, trideceth-10, and purified water.
 15. Themethod of claim 12, wherein said carrier comprises petrolatum, with saidformulation prepared as an ointment.
 16. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising a preservative as part of said mixture.
 17. The method ofclaim 12, wherein said formulation is prepared as a cream emulsion.